Tributes poured in from across the entertainment world Tuesday in response to the death of country music legend Dolly Parton at age 80.
“Well, I just got the news that my buddy Dolly passed onto the higher and greater side,” country singer and actress Reba McEntire wrote on social media, alongside a photo of herself with Parton. “Dolly, thank you for all the wonderful things you did for us here on earth. Your love, your music and you gave so much with your huge huge heart. There will never ever be another you. We will remember and cherish every memory and every note you ever played and sang.
“Thank you, Lord, for Dolly. She’s gonna have a blast in heaven singing all her favorite songs with all her family and friends who have gone on before her. I’ll never forget the first time I met you and I’ll never forget our last conversation. I hold it with love in my heart. I will always love you, Reba.”
Singer Kacey Musgraves wrote on X, “Dolly. This really really hurts. Ths world feels a lot less sparkly all of a sudden. So glad she’s with her (husband) Carl Dean. No one talk to me today.”
On Instagram, singer Keith Urban wrote simply, “Heartbroken today. Dolly Parton. Honestly, I have no words right now.”
Actress Jamie Lee Curtis posted a photo of herself with Parton on Instagram and wrote, “They say don’t meet your heroes. Her bravery to know that she was more than they thought she was and that she needed to break away and move on into new work and new possibilities led her to write `I Will Always Love You,’ as her way of thanking and loving, but moving on. She is a great example for us all.”
Actor Henry Winkler wrote, “What a sad day for America, what a sad day for the world, what a sad day for the Parton family. Dolly! We will miss you in more ways than one can say. You were a treasure on this earth.”
Singer/actress Kristin Chenoweth also posted a photo of herself with Parton.
“Like the rest of the world, I’m immediately heartbroken,” Chenoweth wrote. “I met Dolly on several occasions and she always made me feel like one of her own. She even agreed to sing with me on one of my records. My ultimate inspiration. The world has lost one of the best but I know we will never forget her because she is impossible to forget. I love you Dolly and I will ALWAYS love you.”
Singer Miley Cyrus wrote simply, “So many evil people in this world and we had to lose a pure heart like Dolly Parton. Devastating day for humanity.”
Former President Bill Clinton on X wrote, “Dolly Parton was one of a kind — a great songwriter and performer who told the stories of everyday Americans with honesty, humility and heart. She rose high from her East Tennessee roots and never forgot where she came from. And she always believed in giving back, especially in her efforts to promote literacy. Hillary and I were big fans and first saw her in 1974, and will always be grateful for the music and the memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, her legion of fans, and everyone who loved her.”
Actor/singer/director Seth MacFarlane wrote on X, “The news of Dolly Parton’s passing is devastating. I had the extraordinary experience of working with her on `The Orville,’ and it was a joy to discover that she really was exactly the person we all hoped she was. Her kindness, generosity, and authenticity were evident from moment one, and the benign yet assured command she maintained over her empire was obvious from the genuine love and trust you could see from everyone who worked for her. The world is a dimmer place today without her.”